Local expert offers tips and tricks on how to get started. Benefit wildlife, your health, and safety. Take personal, neighborhood, and community actions.
Plains Milky Way by Randy Halverson @dakotalapse on youtube
by Susan Harder, Dark Sky Society and NY State Representative for Dark Sky International. (Referenced materials added in by our Editor, Mindy Block)
I’m often asked about the environmental impact of night lighting on the environment and on the night sky.
Night lighting affects flora and fauna in dramatic ways, including the decimation of fireflies when their flashing signals cannot be seen due to excessive and unnecessary night lighting - Fireflies Need the Dark to Talk with Light.
Photocredit: unknown
| Trees that won't go into dormancy in the fall when lit all night; hanging onto their leaves, causing die back and death - Trees Affected By Lighting. And then more cautiously asked, “How can I talk to my neighbors about their night lighting that shines into my bedroom and is left on all night?” |  Photocredit: Susan Harder |
Image Credit: RAB Lighting
Luckily, it’s easy and cost effective to use night lighting to safely protect us and our entire environment.
Credit: Dark Sky International Dark Sky International Guidelines
* Dark Sky International now recommends maximum of 2200k or use amber or "bug" lights. Learn more about bug lights and reasons why at: Switch to Amber Light
- Useful - Light only what you need
- Low Light Levels - no brighter than needed
- Targeted - Shield lights & direct downward
- Controlled - Only use light when needed
- Color - Choose warm light bulbs*
* Dark Sky International now recommends maximum of 2200k or use amber or "bug" lights. Learn more about bug lights and reasons why at: Switch to Amber Light
Even though it’s a touchy subject to approach a neighbor about their own property, they are likely unaware of the impact of their lighting on other properties. Keep in mind that in most cases an electrician chose the type, location, wattage, and on/off controls, not the homeowner. I suggest that, if on friendly terms, you could ask your neighbor to look back at their house from your own but be prepared with a suggested solution. For the most part, intrusive lighting can simply be shut off when not needed. It helps to have information about the value and many good reasons to re-aim, shield or use shielded fixtures, along with motion sensors, and timers. - Talk To Your Neighbor Handout
Many municipalities have zoning codes for outdoor lighting, and I like the carrot and stick approach. If no code exists in your town, recommend changes to your local council members similar to ones effective in other municipalities. Make sure definitions for glare and lighting are enforceable. I have worked with numerous towns and villages to help with lighting code modifications.
For Town of East Hampton, a HOUSE LIGHT is an unshielded light bulb or fixture mounted on a residence within five feet of a doorway, or on any residential building within five feet of a doorway, which produces a maximum of 900 initial lumens (approximately 60 watts incandescent or 13 watts fluorescent) or a light mounted on a residence within five feet of any doorway or on any residential building within five feet of a doorway which is fully shielded. A "PAR" bulb light, spotlight or floodlight shall not be considered a house light. [Added 10-6-2006 by L.L. No. 27-2006]. - New Outdoor Lighting Laws for Our Homes Handout
One final thought is that your safety isn't compromised by following night sky guidelines. - Crime & Lighting
The nighttime environment is a precious natural resource for all life on Earth. -- Dark Sky International It's time to rewild it. |  Dark Sky Society Logo |
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